Bon
Secour National Wildlife Refuge Closed to Public due to Hurricane Ivan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 19, 2004 – Sent again on September 24, 2004

Contacts:Don Corban, (228) 497-5780, cell: (228) 323-2586

Gulf Shores,
AL – U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service officials announced today that Bon
Secour National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to the public until
further notice. The closure includes all road and trail access as
well as parking facilities. The closure is to ensure public safety
due to extremely hazardous conditions that exist as a result of Hurricane
Ivan. Much of the refuge received severe damage to structures, dunes,
and vegetation. Other hazards that exist include foreign materials
that have washed ashore from other locations, including propane tanks,
boats, downed and weakened trees, and scattered construction debris.
Fish and Wildlife Service crews are working to get everything cleaned
up and secure, but it may be several weeks before it will be safe
for the public to return.

For information concerning
this closure or any other information concerning Bon Secour or other
refuges affected by Hurricane Ivan, please call: 228-497-5780